Former Cardinals coach Bruce Arians interviews with Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are like the Arizona Cardinals in the offseason, seeking a new head coach. They have turned to a familiar face in their search, as they interviewed retired Cardinals coach Bruce Arians.

Arians retired after the 2017 season and worked this past season for CBS as a broadcast analyst for games.

He has previously said he would only consider a return to coaching with the Cleveland Browns, but then later said he would also consider the Bucs.

Tampa Bay’s general manager is Jason Licht, who was part of the Arizona front office before taking the job in Tampa.

Arians has been a fan of Bucs quarterback Jameis Winston and might be the perfect coach to unlock his abilities.

Arians’ contract with the Cardinals expired after the 2018 season but there was a team option for 2019. Because the option was turned down, there is no obstacle for Arians and the Bucs, and Tampa will not have to compensate Arizona.

If the #Bucs hire Bruce Arians as their head coach — and he is the front-runner — they are not required to provide compensation to the #AZCardinals, sources say. Arians did retire in AZ, but his 2019 team option was declined. Tampa Bay can proceed without any obstacles.